1. Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)

After two years in the No. 2 spot, a panel of almost 1,000 experts have ranked chef Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana the best restaurant in the world. Famous for his Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano dish, which serves up five very different incarnations of the iconic cheese, Bottura has won acclaim for breaking with — while celebrating — traditional Italian cuisine.

2. El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain)

Last year’s No. 1, and this year's number 2, is El Celler de Can Roca. Run by three brothers in Girona, Spain, each Roca sibling has their own foodie specialism: Joan is a chef, Josep a sommelier and Jordi a patissier. Accordingly, you can expect an all-round exquisite culinary experience.

3. Eleven Madison Park (New York, USA)

The best restaurant in North America is the third best restaurant in the world, and has also won this year's award for hospitality. Eleven Madison Park is known for its theatrical dining experience and innovative tasting menu.

5. Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark)

The almighty Noma has previously held the World's Best Restaurant top spot over four different years. Chef René Redzepi pioneered the foraging and Scandi food movements and since opening Noma in 2003, has become a titan of the gastronomic world.

8. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)

9. Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)

Steirereck's success is based on both its traditional Austrian heritage (it's been run by the same family for generations and features national favourites like the Wiener Schnitzel) and forward looking attitude (check out the futuristic architecture and inventive food).

10. Asador Etxebarri (Axpe, Spain)

Asador Extebarri specialises in Basque-region barbecue from chef Victor Arguinzoniz, who was born in the village right next to the restaurant. Set against a backdrop of regal mountains, the location is simply sublime.

13. Maido (Lima, Peru)

Fusion cooking might seem like a naff concept but in the right hands, such as Maido chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, it's an art form. Combining Japanese and Peruvian culinary styles, Maido does Nikkei like no other.

14. The Ledbury (London, UK)

The chef of the best restaurant in the UK, Brett Graham, is originally from Australia. He was, however, raised in Newcastle and his cuisine is distinctly British, featuring homegrown produce and wild game.